Seattle Information Technology

A gathering of more than 40 community members resolute on co-designing a network dedicated to resource sharing and collaboration around digital equity took place on October 25, 2018. The event, hosted by Seattle Information Technology’s Community Technology team, brought together participants from a wide range of organizations and institutions dedicated to increasing digital equity across our region.

Participants included representatives from Seattle Public Schools, University of Washington Information School, Seattle Public Library, Seattle Goodwill, Casa Latina, Somali Family Safety Task Force, Literacy Source, Chinese Information and Service Center, and CenturyLink, among others.

Through facilitated discussions, the group drafted a common purpose statement for the work ahead: to develop relationships, strategies, and resources to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, opportunities, skills, and knowledge to enable communities to thrive.

A common theme throughout the morning’s conversations was the understanding that as we move into the future, digital equity is essential for all individuals – young people, adults, and seniors – to thrive in our changing world. Access to the internet and the ability to navigate digital technologies are essential when accessing education, seeking and applying for jobs, and maintaining basic connections to community.

Toward the end of the morning, the group identified their collective list of the most pressing issues related to digital equity. These include increasing the accessibility of affordable internet and devices, giving parents adequate internet access and skills necessary to support the learning opportunities of their children attending Seattle Public Schools, and directing attention to communities most vulnerable to barriers like income, language, education level, or involvement in the justice system.

Participants left the gathering energized to connect with each other, and eager to build collaboration across organizations with different approaches to addressing digital equity. This gathering was a first step in the effort to convene a wide range of stakeholders. Similar meetings in the future will solidify action steps and opportunities for collaboration across sectors and communities.

As a city at the forefront of technological advancement, Seattle risks an increasing divide between the hyper-connected and those who lack internet access and digital skills due to systemic barriers. Service providers, government, public school systems, and private companies all have a stake in ensuring that no one is left behind as technology moves full-steam ahead.

Three workshops held recently for the Technology Matching Fund Grant (TMF) program provided valuable information for potential applicants. Couldn’t attend a session? No problem! Here’s a quick overview of the information presented:

What are the Technology Matching Fund Grants?

Each year the City of Seattle awards funds to organizations with community-driven projects that support digital equity. This year, around $400,000 will be awarded in grants of up to $50,000. Applicants must be working towards fulfilling the top goals of the program including:

Providing devices and technical support. This could include anything from smart phones to laptops. Many computer labs have been financially supported by TMF grants, but all device-driven projects are encouraged to apply.

Connectivity. Having access to the Internet is a major factor in improving digital equity.

Digital Skills Training. Knowledge is power in the world of technology. Projects that work to improve computer literacy by offering training and instruction are qualities considered favorable in the application process.

To be eligible for a grant you must:

Seek to empower residents and communities with technology– especially those who are historically underserved or underrepresented.

Be a nonprofit or community group with a project located in Seattle.

Have a project that can be implemented September 2018 through November 2019.

Be able to match your award with contributions from the community (volunteer time, donated materials, donated professional services or cash).

Frequently Asked Questions from the Workshops:

My organization is not a 501 (c) 3. Can we still apply?Yes, you can apply without a 501 (C) 3 status, but you will need to secure a fiscal sponsor by the time of contracting, which is usually in September or October.

We are working with a Fiscal Sponsor on our project. What is the going rate for those services?Fiscal sponsors typically charge 3%-15%, to fiscally manage a project. You can include this as an expense on your project. If your Fiscal Sponsor waives their fee, you can count the value of the services as match.

My organization received a Tech Matching Fund grant last year. Can I apply again this year?Yes, you may apply each year for a new project or an expansion of an existing project. We will not fund on-going operations for an organization.

My project will benefit Seattle residents, but my organization is not located in the City of Seattle. Can we apply?No, an organization must be located in the City of Seattle to receive funds. You may be a partner in the project, but you cannot receive the funds directly.

My organization is a school. Can we apply for funding?Yes, with a few limitations. The project must be for an after-school program or it should clearly involve community members besides the students. The application must come from a PTSA or other non-profit organization that you partner with.

We currently have a computer lab. Can we use the value of the computers as match?No, you cannot count existing equipment currently used by your organization as a match. You can, however, count any new contributions that will be used specifically for the project as a match.

We received a Neighborhood Matching Fund grant? Can we use this as match?No, you cannot match City funds with other City funds. You can list it as “sources not count as match” in your budget.

Do you want to work together to push forward shared interests in cultivating a more digital literate Seattle for K-12 students, young adults, adults, and senior citizens? Come join us Nov 13, 15, or 17 to share your work and ideas for collaborating to improve digital skills for the community you work with. The Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) and the City’s Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB) are convening two in-person and one online session to explore a digital literacy network.

The idea for a digital literacy network or something similar came up in the community input as we were developing Seattle’s Digital Equity Initiative. Similar groups have formed elsewhere, including Kansas City’s Coalition for Digital Inclusion Alliance and Philadelphia’s Digital Literacy Alliance. These coalitions are helping market educational opportunities, train trainers, recruit and place volunteers, develop funding, identify skills standards and assessment tools, exchange curriculum, and/or increase awareness of the need for digital literacy. These efforts can complement other broadband, education, STEM, immigrant/refugee, or social service coalitions. They involve a range of community based organizations, companies, public agencies, schools, foundations, and community members.

Seattle IT and CTAB are hosting three meet-ups the week of November 13-17 to learn who wants to be involved and what the needs and priorities would be. One meet-up will be in the north end, one in the south/west area, and one will be virtual (phone/internet).

If you’re interested, please RSVP to david.keyes@seattle.gov with your name, organization, and which meet-up you would like to participate in. Please let us know if you need special accommodations or an interpreter. Feel free to invite others!